Fresh Summer Chopped Salad Recipe

Sometimes salads are boring. This one is not!

Sundays are like one big reset button for us. Ty and I usually sleep in, take a long walk, listen to and/or watch church, treat ourselves to something fun for lunch (like Shug’s or Mi Cocina!) and then take it easy for dinner with something light and fresh. This Summer Chopped Salad is exactly that refreshing, simple, and filling! The perfect reset button to start or end your week with.

This salad is comprised of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet white corn, red onion, jalapeño, avocado, garbanzo beans, feta, basil and some cooked couscous! It is dressed with a little lemon juice and olive oil and seasoned simply with salt and pepper, allowing the veggies to shine.

Since this was our main dish I added in the small amount of cooked couscous that I had left over, but you could very well leave it (or the corn) out to make the salad even lighter and lower carb! Hope you enjoy it!!

Why I Love This Fresh Summer Chopped Salad

• Seasonal Produce and Fresh Herbs
  What makes this salad truly shine is its use of seasonal produce and fresh herbs. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic basil—all key ingredients that elevate this delightful and refreshing chopped salad.
  
• Versatility in Easy Salad Recipes
  This salad isn’t just for dinner—it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a delightful side. The small pieces of veggies and beans make every bite a delicious burst of flavor, while the homemade dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt ties it all together.

Fresh Summer Chopped Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

Let’s break down what goes into this wonderful chopped salad. Here’s the entire recipe for you to recreate at home:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium English cucumber, peeled and diced finely
• 1 15-oz. can organic sweet corn, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium avocado, diced
• 1 15-oz. can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ red onion, diced finely
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed + minced
• 2-3 tbsp feta crumbles
• ½ cup pre cooked couscous or quinoa (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, cut into ribbons
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp good olive oil
• Kosher salt + pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by placing sliced cherry tomatoes in your big salad serving bowl. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper and let sit while you chop other veggies.
2. Chop all veggies and start to layer on top of tomatoes (except for the avocado) without stirring.
3. Add in couscous or quinoa if using, feta crumbles, lemon juice (watch for seeds!) and olive oil. Season with 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper. Toss salad gently, then add in diced avocado and toss very gently once more.
4. Taste for seasoning and serve cold or at room temperature!

Enhancing Your Salad 

For an extra burst of flavor and texture, consider adding pine nuts for a satisfying crunch. You can also substitute lime juice for the lemon juice in the dressing if you prefer a different citrusy note. These additions turn a simple salad into a delightful bowl of summer goodness!

More Salad Recipes:

• Chicken Sausage + Cornbread Panzanella Salad
• Grilled Summer Steak Salad
• Skinny Ranch Chicken Salad
• Italian Chopped Salad
• Kale + Seared Steak Salad with Peanut Dressing
• Strawberry Caprese Salad
• Rainbow Chinese Chicken Salad
  

Storage Tips!

To keep this salad fresh for longer, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. This preserves the flavors and ensures you can enjoy it for lunch the next day.

This fresh summer chopped salad recipe is one of my favorite salads to prepare during the summer season, combining the best of seasonal produce, bold flavors, and easy preparation. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick weekday meal, this salad is sure to become one of your favorite salads too.

Thank you for being an amazing reader of The Savvy Spoon! If you make this recipe and love it, I would so appreciate you rating it below. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more recipes, workouts, and lifestyle content!